Vitamin C can cut harmful effects of air pollution

A diet rich in fruits and veggies may lessen the harmful 

effects of air pollution for people suffering from chronic lung 

diseases, researchers suggest.

Researchers looked at patients with asthma or chronic 

obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and found that those 

with low levels of vitamin C had an increased risk of

breathing problems on days when outdoor air pollution levels 

were high.

This study adds to a small but growing body of evidence that 

the effects of air pollution might be modified by 

antioxidants. Antioxidants, such as vitamin C, may protect 

the body from harmful molecules called free radicals that 

damage cells. Free radicals can form when air pollution 

enters the lungs, and evidence suggests they play a role in 

heart disease, cancer and even respiratory ailments.

Antioxidants can bind to free radicals, counteracting them 

before they damage cells.